Mysuru: A coalition of farmers’ organisations, Dalit groups, environmental activists, Kannada organisations and the ‘Bhoomi Thayi Horata Samiti,’ under the banner of ‘Parisarakkaagi Naavu,’ staged a protest near the VTU Regional Centre on the Outer Ring Road at Sathagalli this morning against the State Government’s proposal to organise Dasara Kambala.

Hundreds of protesters participated in the demonstration, alleging that Kambala would damage the fragile environment and dilute the cultural and religious significance of the centuries-old Dasara.

Addressing the gathering, former MLA and ‘Parisarakkaagi Naavu’ State President A.T. Ramaswamy described the protest as symbolic and warned that a sustained agitation would be launched if the Dasara Kambala plan is not shelved.

He accused the Government of ignoring public sentiment by insisting on hosting Kambala in Mysuru. “Dasara is a religious and cultural festival rooted in tradition. Introducing Kambala in the name of culture is inappropriate,” he said.

Several speakers questioned the decision to hold the event at a time when large parts of Karnataka are facing drought. They also expressed concern over the felling of trees and the impact on lakes and local biodiversity.

Dalita Sangharsha Samithi leader Bettaiah Kote said, Kambala is intrinsically linked to the coastal region and its ecosystem. “It is a traditional sport of the Tulu region. Organising it in Mysuru cannot be justified,” he said.

Wetland expert Prof. U.N. Ravikumar recalled that the Supreme Court had earlier banned Kambala and Jallikattu before permitting them to preserve traditional cultural practices. Holding Kambala outside its native region, he said, went against the spirit of that decision.

Manage better, not introduce

‘Parisarakkaagi Naavu’ General Secretary Parashuramegowda said, the Dasara already include a packed schedule of events that pose logistical challenges, including traffic congestion and air and noise pollution. Instead of adding new events, he urged the Government to improve the management of existing programmes.

The protesters urged the Government to prioritise water conservation, lake protection and drought relief for farmers over spending public funds on new events. They also demanded better support and higher honorariums for local artistes.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere, heritage expert Prof. N.S. Rangaraju, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha President Badagalapura Nagendra, Belavala Foundation’s Dr. Ramakrishna, environmental activists M.G. Sadanandaiah, Bhanu Mohan, Gokul Govardhan, Prof. Kalachannegowda, Mansoor Ahmed, Gantaiah, Leela Shivakumar, K.V. Banu Prashanth, Leela Venkatesh, S. Shylajesha, Sanjay Dattatri, author Kusuma Ayarahalli and AAP leader Malavika Gubbivani and others were present.